Israeli Parliament Committee Rejects 14,500 Opposition Amendments to Legal Adviser Role Split Bill

After an intense 21-hour marathon session, the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee completed deliberations on approximately 14,500 amendments proposed by opposition members to the first part of the bill splitting the role of the Attorney General. The committee rejected all opposition amendments, with further votes on revisions scheduled for Sunday at 10:00 AM.

The bill aims to separate the Attorney General's advisory duties from legal representation, significantly limiting the Attorney General's powers. It stipulates that the legal adviser is strictly an adviser, not a government commander, and cannot silence the government or create rules beyond their authority. Committee Chair Smotrich Rotman emphasized the importance of this reform, stating, "An adviser is an adviser, not a manager or commander. He cannot silence the government or invent rules and laws. I will continue to responsibly reform the judicial system."

The committee sessions were marked by sharp confrontations between coalition members and Justice Ministry representatives. A notable clash occurred between Rotman and Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gil Limon, who warned that the bill severely undermines the rule of law. Following this, Rotman ordered Limon's removal from the committee. All six deputies of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara united in strong opposition to the bill, highlighting the issue's gravity within the Justice Ministry.

The next procedural step involves voting on the bill's revisions on Sunday, followed by second and third readings in the Knesset plenum. Rotman affirmed his determination to advance the legislation despite significant resistance.